1986- 89
1996
EXHAUSTED
Even though Japan had banned leaded petroleum back in 1972 , a global awakening to the widespread pollution it caused didn ’ t happen until the dawn of the eighties . By 1986 , using unleaded petrol became a status symbol ; a fledgling example of espousing your ‘ green credentials ’. Finally , in 1989 , leaded petrol was banned in the UK and much of Europe .
ELECTRIC AVENUE
The EV1 was arguably the first genuine electric car . While it provided a pivotal moment in terms of highlighting sustainability , ironically the expensive production meant manufacturing could not be sustained . Smart cars carried the baton for years , but were clunky and largely ridiculed . Mercifully , cool electric cars are now emerging , with the usual ‘ affordable ’ names involved , but also Porsche , Lamborghini and Ferrari . sustainabilitymag . com 19